SANDALS GRANDE ANTIGUA

Canadian World Record Holder Rick Ball is carded to be the headliner of the Sandals Foundation’s Trans Antigua Half Marathon to be held on December 5, 2010 in Antigua. The Trans Antigua Half Marathon will commence from Sandals Grande Antigua at Dickenson Bay and culminate at Grand Pineapple Beach Resort at Long Bay. However there will also be the 5 kilometers ending at Yasco, and the 10 kilometers ending at Charlie’s Service station as options.

The Sandals Foundation has invited Mr. Ball to be the featured celebrity runner in the event because of his incredible accomplishments as a single leg amputee athlete.General Manager, Gerald Christ said, “He personifies determination, humility and poise and this makes him an exemplary role model for youth worldwide.The Antiguan public is in for a treat and should relish the honour of being in the company of this world class personality.”

The 44 year-old Rick Ball burst onto the athletic scene at the age of 40 and has been breaking records ever since. He currently holds the world record for single leg amputees for the 10 K, the half-marathon and the marathon. “When I visited Antigua, I was treated so warmly by the friendly people and now I have the opportunity to participate in an incredible event in such a beautiful place.I can’t wait to get there and use my abilities to support charitable works in Antigua with the Sandals Foundation and Air Canada Vacations,” said Ball.

The funds raised will be going towards a program to take the triathlon and long distance running program to children in the less developed communities of Antigua and Barbuda.

It is expected that the event will attract more than 400 participants and registration outlets are located at Oasis Plants and the Ministry of Sports.